Florida Gators running back Mike Gillislee celebrates after scoring a second half touchdown against the LSU Tigers during their NCAA football game in Gainesville (Photo : www.reuters.com)

In what surely will be a highly competitive Sugar Bowl matchup, the No. 21 Louisville Cardinals (10-2) will go up against the No. 3 Florida Gators (11-1) at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Although the Cardinals are the clear-cut underdog in the Wednesday night matchup, they have already defeated one major SEC team this postseason.

Louisville's defensive coordinator Charlie Strong's willingness to stay put with the program should add to the intrigue of the college gridiron battle. The former Florida defensive coordinator will attempt to lead his defense against a tough Louisville offense.

Strong's track record at Louisville had him in the running for a head coach position at Tennessee. However, he instead opted to stay with the Cardinals.

"You look at those jobs, but I have a great job here. The stability of this program is always going to be solid and they're going to do everything to make this one of the best programs in the country," Strong told ESPN.

Strong played a huge part in Louisville's success as one of the nations best programs. To top it off, he's had four different periods on the Gator's coaching staff, most significantly leading its defense from 2003-09. During the respective stint, he also obtained a pair of BCS crowns.

"It's a program of excellence and I really enjoyed my time there. I watch that program every week. I'm just happy for this program to get to a BCS bowl game. I don't really know if it really matters who we play. I love the University of Florida but I'm just so happy for our prayers," he added.

CLICK HERE to watch the Louisville Cardinals take on the Florida Gators via free live stream. Coverage of the Sugar Bowl is set to begin at 8:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 2.